Countdown to Cancellation: The Messengers Starts Off High on the List

We are one more week closer to the end of the season and my pet vulture Cuddles and I continue to watch all of the shows struggling in the ratings as we know they will eventually be sent for a date with me. No appointments have been set with me yet, but expect them to start coming at any time over the next few weeks.

This last Friday, The CW dumped The Messengers on their schedule on a night when few people are watching and with little promotion. They either planned in advance to have that one sent to me or they will place that mysterious Cancellation Protection Umbrella that has kept low-rated The Beauty and the Beast from my chopping block for several years now. I’m betting on the former.

As to why the network would doom a show like that before it even starts, that’s not for me to say. My job is to take care of business when they are sent to me (even if I don’t always like it), and you can follow Johnny Jay’s Cancellation Watch column to get more insight into the Byzantine workings of network decision making.

Following is the list of shows that have yet to receive a renewal–along with their status from this site’s Sci Fi TV Power Rankings–and I have grouped them by those in danger and those currently safe from me. For those still airing, I will be commenting on their progress at my Twitter site each week until we get final word on their status.

In Danger of Facing the Executioner:

Resurrection (ABC) – Likely to be CancelledGalavant (ABC) – Likely to be CancelledConstantine (NBC) – Likely to be CancelledHelix (Syfy) – Likely to be CancelledThe Messengers (CW) – Likely to be CancelledForever (ABC) – On the BubbleAgents of SHIELD (ABC) – On the BubbleAgent Carter (ABC) – On the BubbleOlympus (Syfy) – On the BubbleDig (USA) – On the BubbleThe Returned (A&E) – On the Bubble

Safe from the Executioner (for the Moment):

Salem (WGN) – Renewal PossibleiZombie (CW) – Likely to be RenewedPerson of Interest (CBS) – Likely to be RenewedOnce Upon A Time (ABC) – Sure to be Renewed

One of the stars of ABC’s Once Upon A Time leaked word last week that the show had been renewed for a fifth season, though the network has yet to confirm that. But that one has been far from may radar all season anyway, and it is only on the list above because it has not received official word yet that it will be coming back.

The fates of most of these shows (particularly the broadcast network entries) should be determined by mid-May when schedules are presented to advertisers at the upfronts. Following are the days that each of the nets will give their presentations and expect them to release their schedules (along with all the renewals and cancellations) shortly before:

Note that Galavant and Agent Carter may not get official cancellation notices because of their “limited run series” status. But they will ultimately get sent to me.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter over the next few weeks as I keep an eye on the season end numbers and what they mean to the fates of the shows above that have not yet received a reprieve from facing my ax.